Nanosight has announced the Nanosight NS500 nanoparticle-characterisation system.
The NS500 incorporates new hardware and software designed to deliver Nanosight's capability in particle-by-particle characterisation, in an automated package.
Nanosight's technology, known as Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), provides a high-resolution particle-size distribution without DLS (dynamic light scattering).
NTA detects individual particles as small as 20nm and, in real time, simultaneously tracks and sizes whole populations.
The result is a particle-size distribution that provides researchers with an overview of their samples, showing everything in the 20-1,000nm range.
NTA also provides count and concentration, together with a view that validates these results.
The NS500 adds fluorescence capability, enabling the user to tune into individual particles, with sensitivity to detect individual quantum dots while eliminating background interference of other particles and media.
Standard beads may be used to bind to single particles for optimum study.
The fluid-handling capability of NS500 provides the user with auto-sample presentation and in-situ cleaning.
It is now a routine process to clean the cell with the ability to purge, flush and load samples through user-customisable software.
Dilution may also be optimised then controlled in this way.
Ease of use is further enhanced with a motorised focus function to readily home in on the particles under study.
This is augmented with an indexed motorised stage, controlled through the software and providing repeatability in positioning.
The temperature control of the cell offers a 15-55C range and programmable temperature cycling, with rapid attainment of set point facilitating faster sample measurement and turnaround.
The goal of the NS500 is to provide an easy-to-use, reproducible platform applicable for specific and general nanoparticle-characterisation use.
